Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, restrictions banning cash payments for fuel and certain everyday goods came into effect on April 1. The impact of these changes on the economy and society was discussed by Kun.uz correspondent with Behzod Hoshimov, a professor at New York University Abu Dhabi. Professor Hoshimov highlighted that the new rules impose additional time and cost burdens on millions of citizens, who are forced to deposit cash at ATMs to top up cards—a practice he describes as rare and fee-charging in global contexts.

In Uzbekistan, a tiered gas payment system has been in effect since 2024, where the first 500 m³ in winter and 100 m³ in summer cost 1,000 soums per m³, with any consumption beyond that priced higher, up to 3,000 soums. As of May 2025, tariffs have been increased for the second time, significantly raising utility costs for citizens and sparking concerns amid broader economic challenges, including inflation and rising living expenses.

Starting April 1, Uzbekistan has banned the sale of gasoline, diesel, methane, and propane for cash. A Kun.uz correspondent visited gas stations in the Fergana Region to investigate how the new system is functioning in practice and to gather drivers' opinions on the matter.

Apple Inc. has announced that John Ternus will become its new Chief Executive Officer effective September 1, 2026. Ternus currently serves as Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, and his appointment marks a significant shift in Apple’s leadership structure, potentially influencing the company’s future strategy amid increasing global competition and regulatory scrutiny. This move comes as Apple faces challenges in maintaining its market dominance and innovation pipeline.

Apple announced on Monday that Tim Cook, who has served as CEO since 2011, will step down from the role, with company veteran John Ternus set to take over in September. This transition marks Apple's first CEO change since the death of founder Steve Jobs and comes as the company faces mounting pressure to demonstrate its competitiveness in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, which is driving industry-wide transformations.

The President of Uzbekistan has signed a decree "On Measures to Develop the Machine-Building Industry in the Samarkand Region." The Ministry of Justice officially announced this through media channels. The document designates the diversification of the regional economy and the development of the machine-building sector as priority tasks.

The Uzbek government has initiated a deep audit of private and foreign companies operating in the oil and gas sector, focusing on their compliance with license obligations and project documentation. This was announced by Nodir Muhiddinov, chief geologist of Uzbekneftegaz, at a press conference on April 20. He stated that special working groups, organized by the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Mining and Geology, the Accounts Chamber, and Uzbekneftegaz specialists, are examining how well companies adhere to their commitments in geological exploration work.

In Tashkent, at the final stage of the "Growth and Development" (UPSHIFT) program, nine inclusive youth startups were awarded grants of 15 million soums each. The winning projects include navigation systems for the visually impaired in public transport, tactile educational aids, innovative devices for agricultural automation, and IT products for teenagers.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan reviewed a comprehensive presentation focused on fundamentally reforming the external labor migration system. With over 1.2 million citizens working in 40 countries worldwide, the state's strategic priority is shifting from quantitative metrics to the qualitative training of personnel for high-income markets in Europe and East Asia.

Uzbekistan has introduced a new support mechanism for children diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Under this system, families raising children with this condition will be able to receive essential medical equipment, prosthetic-orthopedic devices, and rehabilitation aids for use in home settings. The framework was established by a decree from the Cabinet of Ministers.

Uzbek Statesman Rim Giniyatullin Passes Away

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan reviewed a presentation on measures aimed at regulating external labor migration, preparing citizens for high-income jobs abroad, and providing them with comprehensive protection. According to the presidential press service, Uzbek citizens currently work in nearly 40 countries, with the number of those employed overseas reaching 1.2 million. It was noted that demand for skilled labor is increasing in European and East Asian countries, and the European Commission's migration strategy until 2030 places special emphasis on cooperation with Central Asia.